Paxman to raise eyebrows at TV festival lecture

In a booking that may have some of his old adversaries quaking, Newsnight anchor Jeremy Paxman has agreed to share his thoughts on politics, the media and power as the keynote speaker at this summer's MediaGuardian Edinburgh International TV Festival.

More used to posing questions than providing answers, the combative presenter and author has promised to use the annual MacTaggart Lecture to outline his reflections on the media and politics.

In common with his onscreen persona, Paxman is unlikely to pull any punches in his assessment of the relationship between the two. He has also been outspoken in the past about the BBC's management, criticising a cost-cutting drive by director general, Mark Thompson.

Paxman has also raised an eyebrow at some of the innovations introduced by Newsnight editor Peter Barron, who is this year advisory chair of the festival. "I know from experience that there is always intense interest in what Jeremy has to say," Mr Barron said. Tim Hincks, chief creative officer of Big Brother producer Endemol UK and executive chair, said it was a "truly mouth-watering prospect".

As the longest serving presenter on Newsnight, Paxman has crossed swords with the biggest political figures of the last two decades and is often cited by those who accuse aggressive interviewers of damaging political discourse.

John Humphrys gave the MacTaggart lecture in 2004 and criticised Big Brother and reality television. Last year outgoing ITV chief executive Charles Allen delivered a withering attack on Channel 4, while the previous year former BBC director general John Birt hit out at the "tabloidisation" of British culture. Among those to have delivered the MacTaggart, now in its 32nd year, are Rupert Murdoch, Greg Dyke, Mark Thompson and Michael Grade. The late writer Dennis Potter used his to denounce John Birt, then BBC director general, as a "croak-voiced Dalek".

Paxman will deliver his speech on Friday August 24, the opening night of the festival, which runs until August 26.